Steering friction adjuster?

[Kevin]

On my 26 M I have a know inside the steering pedestal that works like the old friction steering dampers on motorcycles. It allows the steering to be adjusted from very light to very sticky.

I use this all the time since I single hand and have a hanked on jib. No lines led aft.

I point the bow into the wind with the motor running just fast enough to maintain steering. Tighten the steering friction and go forward to raise sails.

It's like a poor man's autopilot and incredibly handy, but I never hear anyone mention it.

Is this only on the M's or is it something unique that my dealer installed?

[Richard Lisch]

Kevin, I also have a 2004 M but never noticed the friction steering adjuster. Where is it installed on yours?

[Moe]

There's no knob on it, and I have to take the side panel off the X console to get to it, but the X has a steering tension bolt on the back side of the rack and pinion unit. It threads into end of the steering shaft and compresses a decreasing diameter spring. That's where I'd look for it on your M.

--
Moe

[Dan B]

On my X - I "used" to have a small knob with a knurled end on the port side of the based of the steering wheel. If I cranked it down tight it did nearly lock up the wheel. However, it loosened up too much one day and fell out and I gave up trying to line things up to re-install it.

[Kevin]

The dealer cut a hole in smoked plastic on the port side of the console large enough to easily fit my hand in and then added a slightly larger diameter matching cover that is held by two threaded studs and finger tight nuts. The nob is just ahead of the steering mechanism and it works by compressing the spring as described.

I usually remove one nut and that gives enough play in the cover to swing it out of the way for access. Also gives access to the wiring for my vhs, depth sounder and gps since I seldom leave them connected.

I'm assuming then that this is the same adjuster bolt as an X.

Word of caution: Always keep a bit of tension on the spring. I backed mine off too far and vibration while trailering backed it off completely. The parts fell into the tube and it was interesting fishing for the washer and spring. Had to call the dealer for a parts count to make sure I found all that was supposed to be there.